Introduction

The MG 3 is a modern-looking and stylish supermini designed and built since Rover’s Chinese takeover. It has also been by far its best-selling car since the company’s rebirth as MG Motor around a decade ago, helped along by personalisable graphics and colour options. The MG 3 is an old-fashioned supermini under the skin, with a noisy 1.5-litre petrol engine and a simple but entertaining chassis. Materials quality can’t match its rivals, but it’s much cheaper than most to make up for it.

Did you know? The first MG 3 was actually just a rebadged Rover Streetwise, sold only in the Chinese market.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict:★★★★★★☆☆☆☆(6.5/10)

As a cost-effective, fun-to-drive and well-equipped small car, the MG 3 does a sterling job, and its many clouds come with silver linings. For example, it lacks any form of sat-nav integration but cuts that corner with options for brackets to hold your smartphone.

The engine and chassis may be from a bygone period, but refinements have brought them up to an acceptable standard. In fact, the 3 is more fun to drive up a country road than many of its more expensive rivals. Materials and general build quality are comparatively suspect, of course, but it’s a very well specified car for the money.